By Amah
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President Bola Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police to the Senate, marking a major milestone in the long-running debate over the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The bill, which seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, was announced during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He disclosed that the upper chamber would begin consideration of the proposed legislation on Wednesday, while state governments are also expected to commence deliberations once the bill is transmitted to their respective Houses of Assembly.
The proposed amendment is designed to provide the constitutional and legal framework for the creation of state police forces across the federation, a reform many security experts and stakeholders have advocated for amid growing concerns over insecurity in various parts of the country.
For years, calls for state policing have intensified as Nigeria grapples with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other violent crimes that have stretched the capacity of the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force.
Proponents argue that allowing states to establish their own police formations would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capabilities and strengthen community-based security operations.
The latest move by President Tinubu reflects his administration’s commitment to restructuring aspects of the nation’s security system.
In February, the President urged the National Assembly to initiate constitutional amendments that would pave the way for state police, describing the reform as critical to addressing contemporary security challenges and safeguarding lives and property.
While supporters view state police as a necessary step towards true federalism and more effective security management, critics have expressed concerns about potential political abuse by state authorities, underscoring the need for strong safeguards, oversight mechanisms and accountability provisions.
The transmission of the bill to the Senate now sets the stage for what is expected to be extensive legislative debate and nationwide consultations. If eventually approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the constitutionally required number of state legislatures, the amendment could usher in one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s policing structure since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
